Hunter x Hunter is considered one of the best shonen anime, standing out with its adventure, battles, and a lovable protagonist. The series distinguishes itself from others with morally ambiguous characters and a complex story.

Hunter x Hunter (2011) follows the journey of a young boy named Gon Freecss, aspiring to become a Hunter. While there are different kinds of hunters, including sea hunters, beast hunters, and Archaeological Hunters, most dedicate their lives to tracking down priceless items and exploring the unseen wonders of the world. The series spans several arcs, and while most are beloved, there is one that often faces criticism among fans - The Chimera Ant Arc.

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What are the Arcs in Hunter x Hunter?

The main story arcs include the Hunter Exam arc, Zoldyck Family arc, Heavens Arena arc, Yorknew City arc, Greed Island arc, Chimera Ant arc, and the Election arc.

The Hunter Exam arc introduces us to Gon and his newfound friends—Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio. Together, they undertake the rigorous Hunter exam, a challenging journey that tests their skills as they try to pass the Hunter Exam to become licensed Hunters.

In the Zoldyck Family arc, Gon and Killua venture to Killua's family estate, delving into the enigmatic world of the Zoldyck family, known for their prowess as deadly assassins. The Heavens Arena arc follows Gon and Killua as they engage in the Heavens Arena, a towering structure where fighters hone their Nen abilities in intense battles. Here they meet Zushi and Wing, who teach them how to use Nen. In the Yorknew City arc, Gon and Killua find themselves entangled in a plot involving a high-stakes auction, the notorious Phantom Troupe, and the intricate underworld of Yorknew City.

Next, in the Greed Island arc, Gon and Killua learn about a game called Greed Island. Their goal is to navigate the challenges of the game, hoping to uncover clues about Gon's father, Ging, and his whereabouts. The Chimera Ant arc takes a darker turn as powerful and evolving creatures, known as Chimera Ants, pose a grave threat to humanity. After the Chimera Ant arc, the story enters the Election arc, where the aftermath of events is explored, and the Hunter Association holds an election. This arc addresses the death of Chairman Isaac Netero, who used a fatal technique called the "Rose Bomb" during the Chimera Ant arc, unfolding the consequences of the previous storyline and the political dynamics among the Hunters.

The Chimera Ant Arc Overall

The Chimera Ant arc spans a significant number of episodes, beginning around Episode 76 and concluding with Episode 136, totaling 61 episodes. To put this into perspective, the Chimera Ant arc constitutes around 41% of the total episodes in the "Hunter x Hunter" anime (2011). That’s a considerable amount. Many fans' main complaint is the sheer length of this arc, especially when compared to other fan-favorite arcs like the Heavens Arena arc (around 13 episodes) and the Yorknew City arc (about 20 episodes).

There have also been many complaints about the dark tone of the arc. While the previous arc focused more on battles and adventure, the Chimera Ant arc delves into themes of morals and mortality, featuring a significant number of graphic and horrific deaths. Kite, Gon and Killua's mentor, faces a tragic fate early in the arc at the hands of Pitou. Ponzu, separated from her companion, is shot by a Chimera Ant while attempting to escape the NGL area. Despite her efforts to use her Nen-infused bees, the attack proves fatal, and she succumbs to the Chimera Ant's assault. In a separate but equally gruesome fate, Pokkle meets his end while hiding among the bones of other victims. Captured by Chimera Ants, he becomes subjected to brutal experimentation. Neferpitou, one of the Chimera Ant royal guards, discovers him while searching for potential candidates to create more soldiers. In a terrifying turn, Pitou opens Pokkle's brain, using surgical precision to manipulate and enhance him into a Chimera Ant soldier. Isaac Netero, the Chairman of the Hunter Association, sacrifices himself in a dramatic battle against Meruem using the "Rose Bomb." One of the saddest deaths includes those of Meruem and Komugi. In the aftermath of the palace invasion, both succumb to the effects of Netero’s Rose Bomb. The two die peacefully after playing one last game of Gungi. These deaths mark a shift in tone for the show.

Other complaints include the use of the narrator, the focus on unimportant characters, and the overall pacing of the arc.

What Makes the Arc Great

A lot of the complaints are actually what makes the Chimera Ant arc a great arc.

Unlike typical shonen arcs, the Chimera Ant arc explores different ideas and moral questions. It goes beyond the usual ideas of good and bad, making characters face tough decisions and showing what happens because of those choices. This makes it different and more thoughtful compared to usual anime storylines. For example, when Gon faces Pitou, he is driven by revenge for Kite's death. Instead of a simple hero-villain dynamic, we see Gon's intense emotions leading to a darker path, challenging the traditional notions of right and wrong.

While there are many deaths in this arc, these deaths evoke genuine emotional responses from the audience. The exploration of mortality, sacrifice, and the consequences of conflict adds a layer of realism and depth to the narrative.

The Chimera Ant arc excels in provides in-depth and nuanced character development. One example is the growth of the Chimera Ant King, Meruem, who grows through an unexpected bond with Komugi. After first, he sees her only as a skilled Gungi player, but as their relationship deepens, we see a transformation in his character. For instance, when a bird threatens Komugi, Meruem, who was once ruthless, instinctively protects her, showing a softer and more compassionate side that confuses even him. As their relationship progresses, Meruem undergoes significant emotional development.

As a result of the poison of the Rose Bomb, Meruem experiences memory lapses, and at one point, he forgets Komugi's name. During an intense moment with wolf-like Chimera Ant Welfin, Meruem remembers Komugi and her name, despite the memory-altering effects of the poison. He immediately finds her, evening going so far as to bowing to Palm. This act is significant because, as a character, Meruem was initially depicted as ruthless and indifferent, especially towards humans. His willingness to bow to Palm showcases the extent to which Komugi's presence and influence had softened his character, making him capable of acknowledging and expressing emotions like gratitude and respect. It's a subtle yet impactful moment that highlights the transformative power of love and connection in Meruem's character arc.

The tragic ending where they die together due to a poison, we see the extent of Meruem's growth. His love for Komugi ultimately becomes a catalyst for understanding empathy and the value of connections, showcasing a profound evolution from the initially formidable and emotionless Chimera Ant King.

Lastly, this arc features some of the most well-known fights in the entire series.These fights include Killua vs. Youpi, Netero vs. Meruem and of course, Gon vs. Pitou. Each battle is emotionally charged and impactful.

The Chimera Ant arc, though lengthy in comparison to the series, stands out as a storytelling masterpiece. Diverging from typical anime arcs, it navigates intricate moral questions and challenges characters with tough choices. Despite criticisms, the arc, with its intense battles and profound character development, adds depth and emotion to Hunter x Hunter, deserving of respect.

Hunter x Hunter is available for streaming on Prime Video.

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